A Little Island Adventure - Walking & Swimming!

[dooterbang]

Back in May (currently late June as I write) Fiona and I decided to walk a linear route of 3 Arran Corbett's, seeing that this was the only area forecasting some decent weather. It meant an early rise to catch the 7am ferry, this would give us plenty time to complete our walk without racing round. Glad to say we managed to catch said ferry

Day 1
From the ferry terminal in Brodick we caught a bus to North Sannox Car Park, we would start our walk from here. Taking in Caisteal Abhail, Cir Mhor, & Beinn Tarsuinn. We would walk out back to the ferry terminal via Glen Rosa.

At around 08.30hrs we started our little adventure, heading up the sometimes pathless steep Northern slope to Suidhe Fhearglas. Weather was overcast, dry, with the clouds above the summits.

Initial ascent, with views West to the road leading over to Lochranza.


We soon reached the ridge proper with a decent path now ahead of us. It was getting really hot so we decided to stick on our shorts, thankfully no one was around to witness this quick change

Ridge ahead


The views now opened up, the ridge ahead looking very enticing We would be having a look at the witches step soon...

Some time for posing




Witches step in the distance


We headed up to the spur of the witches step but no way could we descend as a rope was required. We did however pick up a path which led us around the North face and we scrambled down to the path leading to the bottom of the witches step.

Loking back up at the witches step


The ascent up to the ridge looks very steep but presents no real difficulties, was really good fun

About to start the ascent, to the right.


Ascent ahead.


After a while we soon reached the summit of Caisteal Abhail. We didnt hang around as the wind was now up, and our trousers back on. We took shelter for a bite to eat, just as the clag enveloped us.

Views to next summit.


We left and descended down the ridge to its lowest point, it was then I realised I'd left my berghaus vapour zip ss tee shirt at our lunch spot! I ran back up, clag plentiful, and spent 15 minutes trying to locate our spot...but I failed Turns out I couldn't buy this top online as now discontiued - bugger!!

On we went and soon reached the miniscule pointy summit of Cir Mhor.

Cir Mhor Summit


Again we didn't hang around and made our way across the ridge to our final summit - Beinn Tarsuinn. We took the bypass to the West of A'Chir.

Ptarmigan


Route ahead


Some monkey (chimpanzee) action


Asending to the summit we met our first encounters of other humans...for a while it felt we were all alone A quick hello and we reached our 3rd peak. We sat here for 5 minutes then headed back down North East to Cnoc Breac.

Looking back up to Beinn Tarsuinn


Leaving Cnoc Breac the ground underfoot becomes very boggy and tufty for 1km, however we soon reached the path proper that led out of Glen Rosa.

Glen Rosa


Fiona - Finally showing her climbing skills


With the sun now out we went for a little swim in Glen Rosa Water, it was very refreshing

The walk out was lovely, now that the sun was shining, and we made good progress which allowed us to make the 18.20hrs ferry. Cracking route this, and not that busy compared to the popular Goat Fell.

Day 2
After our little adventure yesterday we managed a very leisurely walk around Loch Ard near Aberfoyle. Really nice and peaceful 6km walk with great views.

Woodland


Loch Ard






Found a nice spot for a bite to eat before making our way to find a cave

The cave


Another fine couple of days expolring what Scotland has to offer . More adventures would follow home & abroad, hopefully I get time to write them up Thanks to Fiona for being a super companion

[Mountainlove]

It's always great to miss the masses on Goatfell. Nice set of photos and I am sure the swim was great

[Sgurr]

Never done the Witches' Step....and not so sure it looks any easier close up. Some great pics, thanks for posting.

[Alteknacker]

What a fine place Arran is - just returned from 3 days there myself, which included swimming. The water was warmer than in Greece 2 weeks previously - but the midgies were more vicious than the mozzies in Greece, and immeasurably more numerous .

[malky_c]

Nice one - swimming is definitely where it's at this year (or was until recently at least)

Thought you may have given the A' Chir ridge a shot. I'm not sure how difficult it is, but I gave it a miss when up that way as I had a heavy overnight bag and it was windy - must go back to investigate sometime.